Burt D. Webber, Jr. is one of the world’s leading experts on search and recovery of historic shipwrecks of the Spanish Colonial period in the New World. His most significant find occurred in 1978 when he led the expedition that discovered the Spanish galleon "Nuestra Señora de la Concepcion," lost in 1641. The recoveries, worth 50 million dollars today, are housed in the national museums of the Dominican Republic.

For the past 50 years, he has participated and led expeditions in quest of historic shipwrecks in Florida, as well as in Bahamian and Caribbean waters.

Besides the Concepcion discovery, 13 other shipwrecks were found and their locations plotted out on the Silver Bank, and three early 16th century caravel “impact” sites discovered off of Isla Saona and Catalinita Reef. Overall, Webber’s explorations in the Dominican Republic have resulted in the discovery of no less than 32 shipwreck sites that have been recorded, plotted, dated and turned over to the country’s Submarine Archaeological Recovery Commission.

Webber’s search and recovery operations revolutionized historic shipwreck exploration and salvage. He introduced sophisticated new underwater magnetometer systems and housings, and earned a reputation as a meticulous researcher and generally brought shipwreck exploration and salvage to a high new state of the art. Still very active in historic shipwreck pursuits, Webber is also in demand as a lecturer and authority on at-sea search and recovery methods. He is considered a leader of a new generation of seagoing historians, part adventurer, researcher and “technologist”. Webber served as technical consultant and innovator in the development of new proto-type diver operated G-858M and G-882 Cesium Magnetometers with Geometrics, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of cesium and proton magnetometers.

Burt D. Webber, Jr. graduated from Conrad Weiser High School in 1960. He graduated from the Diver’s Training Academy in 1961 and has been involved in maritime archeological work since that time.

Conrad Weiser Area School District

Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame

2022

Eric L. Gibson (1988)

James (Jay) Hoffman (1968)

Dr. Pamela (Wagar) Smith (2002)

2021

Kevin Beebe (1977)

Ken Gehret (1968)

2019

Amy E. Hoffmann (2000)

Wesley Muckey (1988)

2018

Melissa Daniels Foster (1982)

Greg A. Header (1987)

2017

John T. Adams (1979)

Arthur D. Graeff (1916)

Marvin G. Speicher (1955)

2016

Daniel Strawser (1961)

Gary Eiceman (1970)

2015

Ellen Rissinger (1987)

William Huyett (1973)

Corey Gruber (1972)

2014

Amy J.C. Cuddy (1990)

Michael H. Firestine (1968)

William E. Gruber (1961)

2013

Mary Jane Fogal Ferrell (1956)

Robert R. Gerhart (1937)

2012

Earl W. Ibach (1940)

Burt D. Webber, Jr. (1960)

Steven L. Miller (1981)

2011

Andrew H. Knoll (1969)

El Roy P. Master (1935)

2010

Thomas M. Schnee (1975)

Harvey B. Manbeck (1959)

2009

Kenneth Riegel (1956)

Patrick Gelsinger (1979)